Camp helps to ease diabetes struggle

Last week, diabetic sufferers from across Tasmania attended a camp for diabetics at Camp Clayton, near Ulverstone.

Nelson Jover, of Wynyard, said being with other diabetic children was great.

"At school not many people have it," Nelson said.

Ashleigh Spooner and Lilly Sims said they knew what others were going through.

"And we can be ourselves," Ashleigh and Lilly said.

Several adults who attended the camp as children have returned to help the young ones.

The young and fully grown diabetics have what they call blood insulin glucose (BIG) time together, when everyone takes their insulin while sharing tips and tricks on taking medicine.

Twenty-year-old Will Egan said he had positive experiences at the camp when he was young and wanted to share his knowledge with the children.

"You learn so much from camp, you feel like it would be a waste [not to give back]," Mr Egan said.

Another adult who benefited as a child was Dave Dowling, who said meeting people with similar experiences was a way of making friends.

"Even after camp, everyone stays in touch," Mr Dowling said.

Mr Egan and 12-year-old Jacob Castles have their insulin pumps in common. Mr Egan was able to show using an insulin pump did not mean Jacob was strange.

Jacob said his favourite part of the camp was the team rescue challenge, where groups got mannequins on a stretcher through a challenging obstacle course.

Children played cricket, made craft objects, went to Latrobe Swimming Pool and other fun activities.

A Diabetes Tasmania representative at the camp said the charity funded the five-day camp and there would be another camp soon.nTo help children with diabetes, you can donate or learn more at www.diabetestas.org.au